Man absconds from troubled hospital days after two escapees allegedly kill people
Sydney Morning Herald
by Sally RawsthorneFebruary 22, 2026
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A psychiatric patient, Madan Pandey, has absconded from Sydney's Cumberland Hospital just three days after the state's mental health minister launched an "urgent review" of its security following two fatal incidents involving escaped patients. Pandey disappeared on Saturday morning, prompting police and his family to express concerns for his welfare. This latest escape comes amid growing fears about the safety of both patients and staff at Cumberland Hospital, which has seen a spate of abscondings linked to severe consequences.
The recent incidents include Setefano Leaaetoa, who was arrested after allegedly attacking people in Merrylands with a kitchen knife last week. He faces charges of murder and attempted murder. Another patient, Luke Francis, absconded by threatening a nurse and stealing a car, leading to a police chase that resulted in two deaths. These events have drawn attention to the hospital's security protocols and the broader pressures on the public mental health system.
The increasing frequency of such incidents has raised alarms about the adequacy of resources and staffing at Cumberland Hospital. Senior psychiatrists who resigned due to workload stress were replaced by fewer, less experienced part-time staff, contributing to a critical shortage in specialist care. This systemic issue has left both patients and healthcare workers vulnerable to dangerous situations.
The NSW government's response includes an urgent review of security protocols and a broader examination of mental health services. Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson emphasized the need for comprehensive investigations into these incidents and improvements in patient care. Experts have highlighted the strain on the system, with staff frequently calling police due
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/22/2026